Lamotrigine
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Antiseizure Drugs
- Ethosuximide
- Gabapentinoids
- Levetiracetam
- Lamotrigine
- Valproic Acid
- Phenytoin
- Carbamazepine
- Oxcarbazepine
- Topiramate
- Lamotrigine
- Levetiracetam (Old)
Summary
Lamotrigine is a drug that works by blocking sodium channels.
Clinically, it is used as a broad spectrum antiepileptic drug, meaning it can treat both generalized and focal seizures. In addition to seizures, lamotrigine is also used as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder.
Lamotrigine can cause several side effects, including sedation, headache, dizziness, and diplopia. Skin-related reactions, such as rash, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and DRESS syndrome, are also possible. Many patients may also experience nausea and vomiting. Lastly, lamotrigine may cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Key Points
- Lamotrigine
- Mechanism
- Blocks Na+ channels
- Because Na+ channels are used for most neural action potentials, this can suppress neuronal activations, leading to broad-spectrum antiepileptic effects
- Blocks Na+ channels
- Clinical Use
- Treats seizures (antiepileptic)
- Broad-spectrum
- Treats partial (focal) seizures
- Treats generalized (tonic-clonic) seizures
- Broad-spectrum
- Treats bipolar disorder
- Mood stabilizer
- Particularly useful for treating depressed phase
- Treats seizures (antiepileptic)
- Side Effects
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diplopia
- DRESS
- Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
- Drug-induced skin and mucosal reaction that may lead to necrosis and peeling
- Dose-limiting and relatively common; dose must be titrated slowly
- May increase suicide risk
- Mechanism